If the movies are anything to go by, New York City is the most romantic city on earth, So, when it comes to choosing a date night the pressure’s on. Life might not be a rom com, but there are plenty of magical and fun date night ideas in NYC that could leave you feeling like you’re in one. From first dates to couples’ nights out, hold the dinner reservations and get ready for something neither of you will soon forget. Here are our top ten best date places in NYC, to impress your partner, and only one of them involves karaoke.
1. Stroll at sunset across the Brooklyn Bridge
Going for a pleasant walk in a city like New York isn’t always easy among concrete and skyscrapers. But the Brooklyn Bridge is a scenic stroll, with snappable vistas that can complement even the cutest photo gallery. Wait until sunset, or during Christmas at night, and you can both watch New York City come alive in a way you don’t usually see. It’s one of many perfect fun couple activities in NYC to cap a romantic dinner by the water, and a really cute idea that is sure to impress.
2. Put your skates on
Nostalgia always brings things back around – and some things should never have left. Roller skating is one of those things. Glide, flounder, or fall, you’re sure to break the ice and any notions of embarrassment as you roll around together. This old-school classic gives you plenty of time to support each other and get chatting on the rink. Plus, you can compare bruises the day after – maybe over a drink?
3. Get back to nature at Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Just like the seasons, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is always changing. During the winter you can enjoy light shows and cozy up together amongst the festive foliage with something warm to drink. Or visit during the summer months and stroll through bright blooms, finding peace in a city that never sleeps. It’s an easy, affordable, and scenic escape perfect for blossoming relationships (or those already in bloom). Chat among the flowerbeds and enjoy one of the best date places in NYC.
4. Sing your heart out
Music is great for the soul and the ears. Even the worst rendition of Living on a Prayer can become a beloved memory. Besides, if you can’t sing for a loved one, who can you sing for? Karaoke is as hilarious as it is insightful, giving you plenty of room to judge a potential date’s taste in music and is one of the most fun couple activities in NYC. Let loose, don’t hold back, and break any barriers you may have had. Who knows, maybe you’ll be duetting before the night is out?
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5. Glamp on Governors Island
Luxury camping – they’re two words that don’t always fit together, and yet taking an evening on the luxurious Governors Island gives the city a different vibe. Spend the night beneath the stars, without visiting the countryside. Governors Island provides beautiful views of New York City, with chic firepits, couple-sized hammocks, and quaint accommodations made minimal and beautiful. Bike about the island, settle under the starlight together and enjoy beautiful dining experiences in this bite-sized retreat.
6. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as The Met to New Yorkers, houses one of the largest (and finest) collections of art in the world. From pre-history to present, classic to contemporary – with more than 20,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and films, there’s sure to be something that resonates with you both. There are endless pieces that can spark conversation and help you learn about your date’s interests. Admission is pay-as-you-wish, meaning you can sneak in a second date without feeling the crunch.
7. Cruise along the East River
Did you adore the views from the Brooklyn Bridge? Well, there’s one way to get an even closer view of New York City’s ever-changing shoreline. Treat yourselves to an indulgent Manhattan cruise at sunset. Break open the bubbly and unwind, enjoy a cheese pairing as the sights go by, or stand on the bow together and have your Jack and Rose moment. Does this date night idea in NYC sound too relaxed? Jazz up your journey with an onboard band and enjoy an evening cruise alight with the sound of music.
8. Climb a Building
When it comes to fun date ideas in NYC, climbing a building may not be your first thought. But, for those thrill-seeking, adrenaline-loving, adventure-junkies, this is an in-it-together date idea that won’t soon be forgotten. Surely, with all those tall buildings around the thought has entered your head. Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you get your own ropes and abseil central park tower. Learn to climb kitted in safety gear with professionals, who can teach you everything you need to know about…scaling skyscrapers. One thing’s for sure, it’s a date none of you will soon forget!
9. Visit a Book Store
Enjoy an afternoon out, perusing around town and hopping from bookstore to bookstore. Build a collection together and lose yourselves in each other’s ideal literary worlds. You could recommend a book to each other too – a look into both of your tastes. Think of it like your own little book club, and a perfect opportunity to meet up again for lunch and a chat about them. The best thing is, this could be a day out or a lunchbreak get-together – it works around you, and the time you have in the week.
10. Visit the High Line
In New York City, looking around for something to do isn’t always the right idea. Sometimes, it’s better to look up. The High Line is a beautiful, serene, linear greenway along the former New York Central Railroad in West Manhattan. Parks are timeless, and rarely a bad decision for a date, but the High Line certainly puts a twist on handholding amongst the shrubs. There’s plenty of opportunity for wonderful snaps to document your time, and panoramic vistas to enjoy as you truly take that scenic route through the city. This is easily one of the best date spots in NYC.
There is a never-ending amount of fun date ideas in NYC, as the city is filled with wonders and attractions designed to entertain and enthrall. If you’re moving to NYC or just visiting, there’s so much in the Big Apple that will help fire up your romance. The hardest part is deciding where to go first.
